PULSE FRACTURING DEVICE AND METHOD
First Claim
1. A system for inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure adjacent a borehole, comprising:
- a pair of electrodes disposed in a confined volume containing a fluid medium, the pair of electrodes defining a spark gap therebetween;
a primary electrical system comprising;
a power supply, in electrical communication with the electrodes;
an energy storage component configured and arranged to store energy for discharging to the electrodes an electric pulse such that energy is delivered to the electrodes for a length of time greater than about 100 μ
s and at an energy level of greater than about 1 kJ per pulse;
whereinthe primary electrical system is configured and arranged to generate a spark in the spark gap in between the pair of electrodes and develop a current between the electrodes, thereby resulting in heating of the fluid medium in the confined volume; and
the fluid medium in the confined volume forms an expanding gas, thereby increasing pressure in the fluid medium inducing fractures in at least a portion of the geologic structure.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method of inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure includes inducing acoustic waves into a fluid medium present in a borehole extending at least partially into the structure. Embodiments may include preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein. A device for fracturing at least a portion of a geologic structure includes electrodes for producing a spark to generate ordinary acoustic waves in the fluid medium. Embodiments may include structures for preheating or pressurizing the fluid medium prior to inducing the acoustic wave therein.
8 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system for inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure adjacent a borehole, comprising:
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a pair of electrodes disposed in a confined volume containing a fluid medium, the pair of electrodes defining a spark gap therebetween; a primary electrical system comprising;
a power supply, in electrical communication with the electrodes;
an energy storage component configured and arranged to store energy for discharging to the electrodes an electric pulse such that energy is delivered to the electrodes for a length of time greater than about 100 μ
s and at an energy level of greater than about 1 kJ per pulse;wherein the primary electrical system is configured and arranged to generate a spark in the spark gap in between the pair of electrodes and develop a current between the electrodes, thereby resulting in heating of the fluid medium in the confined volume; and the fluid medium in the confined volume forms an expanding gas, thereby increasing pressure in the fluid medium inducing fractures in at least a portion of the geologic structure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A device for inducing fracture in at least a portion of a geologic structure adjacent a borehole when placed in a borehole, comprising:
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a pair of electrodes defining a spark gap therebetween, the electrodes are configured to be disposed in a confined volume containing a fluid medium; wherein the electrodes upon receiving electric current pulses at an energy level of greater than about 1 kJ per pulse for at least 100 μ
s, forms an electric arc between the pair of electrodes, thereby producing a pressure pulse in the fluid medium to induce fractures in at least a portion of the geologic structure adjacent the borehole. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification